Correct storage
For physical reasons, the refrigerator compartment has different temperature zones. The coldest zone is on the lowest storage shelf immediately above the fruit and vegetable drawers. Warmer zones are the upper storage shelves and door racks. The arrangement (see fig.) indicates where different types of food are best stored to make the most of temperature variations. For instance, the shelf immediately above the fruit and vegetable trays should be 5 °C for safe storage of meat and fish products. In order to check that the appliance is at 5 °C on the lowest shelf you can carry out the following test yourself: 0 Place a cup of water in the centre of the said shelf with a thermometer inside. 0 Leave the fridge door closed overnight and check the temperature first thing in the morning. 0 At this point the temperature should read no more than 5 °C; if it does, you need to adjust the temperature regulator to a colder setting. For further information on keeping food cool and safe a guide published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is available and can be obtained free of charge by contacting: Foodsense, London SE99 7TT. Tel: 0645 556000 Tip: Food stored in the refrigerator compartment should always be covered or packed so that they do not dry out, lose their flavour, or transfer their flavour to any other refrigerated food. The following are suitable for packing: � polyethylene bags; � plastic containers with lids; � special plastic covers with rubber retainers; � aluminium foil.
